Ten remote Catholic primary schools across the Diocese of Ballarat will benefit from additional support to implement a structured literacy approach in 2025 thanks to a $100k grant from the Bertalli Family Foundation.

The ‘Aurora Project’ will deliver 12 months of professional development and coaching led by Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education (DOBCEL), in partnership with La Trobe University, for more than 60 teachers across the ten schools, directly enhancing literacy instruction for 400-500 students.

DOBCEL Executive Director Tom Sexton says the additional support for the remote schools is greatly appreciated.

‘There is an overwhelming body of research supporting a structured approach to teaching reading and literacy as the most effective method,’ he said.

‘In early 2023 DOBCEL formed a partnership with La Trobe University to proactively address the issue, and since then support has been provided to schools and teachers across the diocese to make a strategic shift to the more structured literacy approach, informed by the sciences of reading and learning.

‘This funding from the Bertalli Foundation now provides extra capacity to deliver more targeted support to our remote schools and students, who need it most.’

La Trobe University has been leading a push to overhaul the way children are taught to read for many years, utilising the science behind reading and language development.

Dr Tanya Serry, Professor of Literacy and Reading at La Trobe School of Education, says ‘we are committed to empowering educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance literacy instruction.

‘The Aurora Project offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with DOBCEL, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality literacy education, regardless of their geographical location,’ she said.

Over the past 40 years, the Bertalli Foundation has facilitated philanthropy in the education, medical, science, arts and cultural sectors, and for rural and regional programs.

Neville Bertalli from the Foundation said he recognised the need for evidence-informed programs when working with schools in the Western Port and Mornington Peninsula regions.

‘We became aware of the pivotal role of the teacher in improving literacy outcomes for students and wanted to extend support to both practising and future teachers.

‘We have been particularly impressed by the initial teacher education program offered to students at La Trobe University,’ Mr Bertalli said.

The partnership was announced at a gathering at Catholic Education Ballarat today.